What was the purpose of the letters written to believers?
They were letters written to believers and intended to be read in one sitting, just like a letter or email we might write. The audience would have likely gathered together, and the letter would have been read out-loud, all at once.
What is the root of Christian counseling?
The root of Christian counseling lies within biblical accounts. Jay E. Adams, the founder of the Biblical Counseling Movement, discussed this faith-based approach to treating mental health conditions, relationship/adjustment issues, trauma, emotional distress, abuse, addiction, etc., in his novel, Competent to Counsel.
Is the Bible the Ultimate Guide to Christian counseling?
Christian counselors believe that the bible is the ultimate guide on how people, especially Christians, should think and behave. In other words, they view this holy book as the one and only truth.
Do the authors of letters to the editor agree on theology?
Certainly these authors agree overall in terms of theology, but how they express their understanding does vary due to the human element of their writings. Other factors that influence their writings include the audience who was intended to receive their letter.
What best describes treatment of Christians in the Roman Empire?
Which statement best describes how the early Christians were treated by the Romans? They were persecuted for being disloyal to the emperor. The message of Jesus first spread throughout the Roman Empire in which way? By word of mouth as Christians traveled the empire.
What does the letter of Paul tells about Christianity?
Paul exhorts his readers to remain steadfast in their faith and to imitate the humility of Christ, who “emptied himself” and “became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (2:7–8). Exegetes generally believe that this much-quoted passage was taken from an early Christian hymn.
What do the letters of Trajan and Pliny tell us about the Roman government's attitude towards the Christians?
These letters concern an episode which marks the first time the Roman government recognized Christianity as a religion separate from Judaism, and sets a precedent for the massive persecution of Christians that takes place in the second and third centuries.
How did Paul's letters impact the church?
He made an impact as apostle, as theologian, and as letter-writer. Paul the apostle had expanded the church far and wide, flinging open the doors to Gentiles, strenuously fighting for his conviction that the gospel was for all people and that no barriers should be put in the way of Gentiles.
What did Paul write about in his letters?
Letter of Paul to Philemon The brief epistle was written to Philemon, a wealthy Christian of Colossae, on behalf of Onesimus, Philemon's former slave. While passing no judgment on slavery itself, Paul exhorts Philemon to manifest true Christian love that removes barriers between slaves and free people.
Why are the letters of Paul important?
Paul's epistles are significant because they too convey a truth that predates them: Before there were any New Testament scriptures, there were the eye-witnesses to Jesus' resurrection.
What does Pliny say about the Christians?
Pliny states that his investigations have revealed nothing on the Christians' part but harmless practices and "depraved, excessive superstition." However, Pliny seems concerned about the rapid spread of their practices and views Christian gatherings as a potential starting point for sedition.
What was the reaction of Trajan to Pliny's letter describing his policies toward Christians?
Taken together, Pliny's letter and Trajan's response constituted a fairly loose policy toward Christians, namely that they were not to be sought out, but were to be executed if brought before a magistrate by a reputable means of accusation (no anonymous charges were permitted), where they were to be given the ...
How did social status affect the government's treatment of individuals suspected of being Christians?
Based on Pliny's letter to Trajan, how did social status affect the government's treatment of individuals suspected of being Christians? -Roman citizens had legal rights, even when they admitted to being Christians. -Non-citizens could avoid execution if they publicly rejected Christianity.
What was Paul's impact on Christianity?
Paul is often considered to be the most important person after Jesus in the history of Christianity. His epistles (letters) have had enormous influence on Christian theology, especially on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus, and on the mystical human relationship with the divine.
How does Paul describe the church?
Biologically, the Church is described as the Body where different members are connected together and grow (4:16). Christ is the head of the Body (1:22; 5:23-24), he is the savior of it (5:23- 24), and he loves and nurtures it (5:29).
What was Paul's main message?
Basic message In the surviving letters, Paul often recalls what he said during his founding visits. He preached the death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ, and he proclaimed that faith in Jesus guarantees a share in his life.
What is theology in the Bible?
The word “theology” comes from two Greek words meaning “God” and “word.” Combined, the word “theology” means “study of God.” Christian theology is the study of what the Bible teaches and what Christians believe. Many believers treat Christian theology as something that is dividing, something that should be avoided. In actuality, Christian theology should be uniting! The Word of God teaches truth and we are to be united behind that truth. Yes, there are disagreements and disputes in Christian theology. Yes, there is freedom to disagree on the non-essentials of Christian theology. At the same time, there is much that Christians should be united over. A biblically-based Christian theology will enable us to better understand God, salvation, and our mission in this world.
Why is it important to have a biblical theology?
A biblically-based Christian theology will enable us to better understand God, salvation, and our mission in this world. For some, the word “theologian” conjures up images of crusty old men poring over dusty volumes of ancient texts in dimly-lit rooms, studying things completely removed from real life.
What is the study of God the Father?
Theology Proper / Paterology - the study of God the Father. Christology - the study of the Person and work of Jesus Christ. Pneumatology - the study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Bibliology - the study of the Word of God.
What is the study of salvation?
Soteriology - the study of salvation through Jesus Christ. Christian Anthropology - the study of the nature of humanity. Hamartiology - the study of the nature and effects of sin. Angelology - the study of angels. Christian Demonology - the study of demons.
What is the Bible's story?
Scripture is God’s story and the more we study His Word, the better we know Him. Below are the various categories of Christian theology. Understanding what the Bible says about the various areas of Christian theology is key to spiritual growth and effectiveness in the Christian life. Theology Proper / Paterology - the study of God the Father.
What does it mean to be a theologian?
To be a theologian is to be one who seeks the face of God in order to encounter the creator of the universe and His Son, Jesus Christ, and embrace Him as Lord of our lives, so that He becomes the center of our desires, affections, and knowledge.
Is there a disagreement in the Christian theology?
Yes, there are disagreements and disputes in Christian theology. Yes, there is freedom to disagree on the non-essentials of Christian theology. At the same time, there is much that Christians should be united over. A biblically-based Christian theology will enable us to better understand God, salvation, and our mission in this world.
Why do counselors use the Bible?
Christian counselors believe that for people to truly heal from trauma, psychological distress, mental illness, etc. they must turn to the bible.
What is the ultimate goal of Christian counseling?
The ultimate goal of Christian counseling is to help Christians identify behaviors that are inconsistent with God’s teachings, so they can become more accepting of God’s will – even when it’s not their will. Christian counselors believe that the bible is the ultimate guide on how people, especially Christians, should think and behave.
Why do people seek Christian counseling?
Reasons why you should seek Christian counseling include: 1 Relationship, parent-child, or marital issues 2 Parenting guidance 3 Mental illness or psychological distress 4 Grief and loss 5 Poor goal-setting skills 6 Low self-esteem and self-confidence 7 Weak faith and/or a poor connection to God 8 Substance abuse or addiction
Why is Christian counseling important?
Therefore, the purpose of Christian counseling is to help couples repair their damaged relationships. Coping with Parenting Challenges. While gratifying, raising children is not easy.
What is Christian counseling?
Christian counseling, also known as biblical counseling and Christian psychology, combines your faith with the principles of psychology to improve your mental health and relationships. More specifically, this therapy approach uses scripture and biblical teachings to help you deal with life’s challenges. The truth is, when you are in the midst of ...
What is the combination of hypnotherapy, counseling, and coaching?
Combining hypnotherapy, counseling, and coaching is a powerful combo to support you on your path. In 1968, the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation was formed to provide present-day and future Christian counselors with guidelines on how to properly treat those seeking a faith-based therapy approach.
What is spiritual health?
Spiritual health is often characterized by the following: A capacity to love others and the ability to accept love from others. Forgiveness. A commitment to community service.
How is the Christian today separated from the biblical audience?
As mentioned above, the Christian today is separated from the biblical audience by differences in culture, language, situation, time, and often covenant. These differences form a river that hinders us from moving straight from meaning in their context to meaning in ours. The width of the river, however, varies from passage to passage.
What is the process of interpreting and grasping the Bible?
The process of interpreting and grasping the Bible is similar to embarking on a journey. Reading the text thoroughly and carefully lies at the beginning of the journey. From this careful reading we become able to determine what the passage meant in the biblical context — that is, what it meant to the biblical audience.
What is the theological principle?
The theological principle, therefore, has meaning and application both to the ancient biblical audience and to Christians today. Because the theological principle has meaning and application to both audiences, it functions as a bridge spanning the river of differences.
How are we separated from the biblical audience?
We are separated from the biblical audience by culture and customs, language, situation, and a vast expanse of time. These differences form a barrier — a river that separates us from the text and that often prohibits us from grasping the meaning of the text for ourselves. If that were not enough, the Old Testament widens ...
Why is there a covenant barrier between the Old Testament audience and us?
There is a covenant barrier between the Old Testament audience and us because we are under different covenants. Thus, the river between the Old Testament text and us consists not only of culture, language, situation, and time, but also of covenant.
Why did the Lord command Joshua to meditate on the law?
The Lord commanded Joshua, the new leader of Israel, to draw strength and courage from God’s empowering presence, to be obedient to the law of Moses, and to meditate on the law so that he would be successful in the conquest of the Promised Land.
Why is the Bible holy?
We revere the Bible and treat it as holy because it is the Word of God and because God reveals himself to us through this Word .
Why is it important to understand that these books are letters?
The importance of understanding that these books are letters (intended to be read all at once), is that many verses are regularly taken out of context and used to contradict what the author is actually saying, creating incorrect theology and beliefs.
What is the letter of Romans?
The letter of Romans, in particular, falls victim to many people taking its verses out-of-context and wrongly using them for beliefs that Paul himself contradicts in Romans and his other letters in the New Testament.
Why does Paul make statements that contradict what is being taught?
Essentially, someone may teach about a verse that Paul writes, whereas Paul makes other statements that contradict what is being taught, because the verse is taken out-of-context and used to mean what it does not mean. The letter of Romans, in particular, falls victim to many people taking its verses out-of-context and wrongly using them ...
What is the literary style of the New Testament?
Also important, is to understand that these particular “books of the Bible” are actually letters, originally with no chapter or verse numbers. They were letters written to believers and intended to be read in one sitting, just like a letter or email we might write.
What factors influence the writing of Paul?
Other factors that influence their writings include the audience who was intended to receive their letter. Paul, for example, often speaks of specific subjects that relate directly to issues arising in the churches he wrote, such as Corinthian's various issues with people living in sinful situations.
What is the Lie of Sanctification?
Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as... Read More.
Is the New Testament divinely inspired?
Summary of New Testament Letters. While the Bible is certainly divin ely inspired, including the New Testament Letters, it is important to remember that each book is written by a person. Each of these people have their personal perceptions and way of expressing their understanding of Jesus Christ and the significance of his life and sacrifice.